Manchester United has been home to some of the greatest players in history. The Red Devils, the most successful club in English soccer, have produced and nurtured legends who left an indelible mark on the game. Many of these stars reached global fame, and their names continue to be mentioned in debates about the best players of all time.
One former Manchester United legend, known for his relentless style of play and ability to perform on the biggest stages, has now sparked debate by making a bold claim about where he ranks among the world’s best players. He insists that he was better than Neymar, Erling Haaland, Luis Suarez, Robert Lewandowski, and several other iconic forwards—but acknowledges that there is one player he would place above himself: Kylian Mbappe.
The player in question is none other than Wayne Rooney, the all-time top scorer for Manchester United and one of England’s greatest ever forwards. Having spent 13 years at Old Trafford, Rooney was instrumental in helping the club secure numerous major trophies, including multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph.
Despite his remarkable career, the Englishman often finds himself overlooked in discussions about the greatest strikers of all time. He has now taken matters into his own hands, publicly asserting his superiority over some of the biggest names in soccer history.
Bold statement on soccer’s biggest stars
In a video shared on the Champions League’s official social media channels, Wayne Rooney was asked to compare himself to several legendary strikers, and he confidently chose himself over numerous soccer greats. These included Harry Kane, Neymar, Luis Suarez, Alessandro Del Piero, Robert Lewandowski, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Erling Haaland, and Sergio Aguero.
Despite this, the 39-year-old’s confidence in his abilities remained unwavering as he placed himself above these players, emphasizing his versatility, work ethic, and ability to influence big matches. However, while he believed he was superior to all of these superstars, he did acknowledge one exception: Kylian Mbappe. The French forward, who has taken the world by storm with his electrifying pace and goalscoring prowess, was the only player Rooney admitted was better than him.
How Rooney’s legacy compares
Rooney’s statements have sparked debates among fans and pundits. Many agree that he was one of the best players of his era, but placing himself above Neymar, Suarez, Lewandowski, and Haaland is controversial. These players have had remarkable careers, dominating different leagues and competitions. Neymar has won the Champions League, multiple league titles, and international trophies; Haaland and Lewandowski have shattered goalscoring records; Suarez has been a key figure in historic club and international triumphs.
However, Rooney’s achievements cannot be ignored. Premier League titles, a Champions League triumph, multiple Player of the Year awards, and over 300 career goals showcase his impact on the game. His ability to play across multiple attacking positions and his leadership qualities also set him apart from many other forwards.
